NATASCHA'S STORY

Nourished Being first arose out of my experience living a high-stress lifestyle and realizing the impact burning the candle at both ends was having on my health and ability to serve my purpose. As a busy professional, I was juggling a demanding career, long commute, schoolwork, running a small business, teaching yoga, and not to mention a personal life riddled with both trauma and loss. Life was heavy, but also moving too fast. I really didn’t have an ounce of balance in my life. On the days when I had a break, I didn’t want to do anything. I was eating on the go, rarely sitting down to enjoy a meal. This led to health issues including stress-related weight gain, inflammation, anxiety, and exhaustion.

 

It was during this time that I dove deeper into my yoga studies, initially with the intent to serve people like my father –those effected with illnesses like cancer, MS, or other conditions. I wanted to make yoga more accessible. I remember meeting my yoga therapy teacher for the first time before I decided to commit to the training, and one of the first things she shared with me was the importance of having our own self-care practices in place. I took this advice in, but it wasn’t until learning more about the body’s stress response, that I realized that my nervous system was in a constant fight or flight response. It was as if I was addicted to the adrenaline rush of a busy lifestyle. I couldn’t sit still. What did I have to prove? I started to unpack this more and began to realize my pattern of not only “busyness” but also constantly achieving something while often overwhelmed with perfectionism tendencies. Maybe you can relate? Clearly, I had some work to do!

 

When I started to look at my patterns and the “why” behind my behavior, things started to change. But, first, aside from that “aha” moment when I realized my issue, I saw that if I didn’t take care of myself, if I didn’t essentially practice what I preach as a yoga teacher, that I wouldn’t be serving anybody. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

 

So began my journey to come back to myself. Using the tools of Yoga and Ayurveda, I established a self-care practice, changing my lifestyle for the better. Throughout this journey, my mantra was this: NOURISH.

 

For me, the deeper practices of yoga –pranayama (breathwork), meditation, working with the yamas and niyamas, and somatic movement—played an integral role in the continuous journey of deconditioning and unlearning behaviors and patterns that in essence distracted me from my true nature. Ayurveda brought everything together for me. I started establishing a routine including practices that helped me be more compassionate toward myself, to love myself more.

 

I had never felt so nourished and whole in my adult life. Seeing how much these wisdom traditions impacted my life, I became even more passionate about sharing this knowledge with others. When the opportunity came up to relocate to the Pacific Northwest, I was able to let go, refocus, and commit more fully to this passion: empowering people on their wellness journey through the ancient wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda.

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What I didn't realize was that with this move would come with a new set of lessons. I entered one of the most challenging and transformational periods of my life. While it wasn't easy, I realized the value of the work I had already done on myself as well as the supportive tools I came to lean on for helping me surf the waves of life. It was during this time, after experiencing the loss of my father, that I decided to pursue end-of-life and intuitive work, areas I always had interest in. In being with my father during his very last breath, and in connecting with his spirit on the other side, I realized ways I could further heal myself as well as support others at end-of-life and beyond. On top of earning certification as an end-of-life doula for humans, I also weave in my love for our furry and feathered friends as an end-of-life doula for companion animals. As a death doula, I offer non-medical support. I am especially interested in helping clients with legacy projects as well as educating and guiding on the various options and resources available. I also provide grief and bereavement support, bringing in the influence of yoga and somatic practices.

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When the pandemic hit, more life transitions occurred. My husband and I started down the path of growing our family, and were blessed with twin girls. But the journey wasn't easy. I had a very high-risk pregnancy that involved a lengthy inpatient stay and NICU time for our daughters. The NICU experience and life beyond the NICU taught us so much, and inspired me to find meaningful ways to support families through similar journeys.

 

Throughout all of these experiences, I've only deepened my appreciation for the support these wise healing traditions provide: a way to surf the waves of life and come back to Truth. And, furthermore, I've cultivated even more compassion --we never know what someone is going through. Our thoughts matter, our words matter, our actions matter. 

 

The vision of Nourished Being has been with me for years and has evolved. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share these healing traditions. I see myself as a wayfinder of sorts, a guide, a support. I value deeply listening. I value holding every person I encounter in compassion. While I may "teach," you are your greatest teacher; and my role is to help you see, connect, and discover. I work with clients one-on-one and in small groups to create the foundation for sustainable routine and habits, as well as ritual and reverence for sacred periods of transition, challenge, and uncertainty throughout life. The beauty of both Yoga and Ayurveda is that these traditions meet you where you’re at. Nourished Being acknowledges that we are whole through all seasons of life --no matter if we are thriving or struggling, we each deserve to realize that we are innately held, supported, and nourished by a love far greater than we can ever imagine.

 

So, why the name “Nourished Being?” Well, for one, the practice of nourishing on all levels has become a core part of how I live my everyday life, and what I hope to impart on those I work with. And, second, the name incorporates my initials.

 

Nourished Being invites you to come back to center, back to yourself and your True Nature. My intent is to provide a well-rounded, person-centered approach to maintaining and committing to Self Care (beyond the bubble baths!) and Self Discovery. My purpose is to empower you as you navigate the waves of life, providing you with foundational and sustainable tools. When we function from a state of Nourished Being, we tend to ourselves and understand that connection is key. We in turn create a far-reaching ripple effect impacting the greater good. We aren't meant to walk this path alone. 

 

So, join me. Let’s walk this path together. Let's ripple!

 

Much love,

 

Natascha